Guest Editorial-Dr. Michelle Johnstone

Posted:
12/18/2012 08:28:49 AM MST

Updated:
12/18/2012 08:29:19 AM MST

Dear Brush School District Community,Discussions are often difficult when we deal with tragedy like Sandy Hook Elementary, CT.For many of us it brings back the memories of Columbine High School and Platte Canyon High School. Events like this cause us to reflect on how we would handle the same situation and analyze if we are adequately prepared for the future. It is very unnerving to think that something like this would happen to our children.Brush School District, in partnership with Brush Police Department, are working hard to ensure the safety of our children. Brush staff is vigilant in watching out for our children and Brush Police Department has increased their presence at each of our schools. Your role as a parent or family member is important to students feeling safe. I would like to share suggestions offered through the American Psychological Association, www.apa.org; with support from Dr. Palomares and Dr. Lynn Bufka (April 2011):Talk with your child. Talking to your children about their worries and concerns is the first step to help them feel safe and begin to cope with the events occurring around them. Find times when they are most likely to talk: such as when riding in the car, before dinner, or at bedtime. Start the conversation; let them know you are interested in them and how they are coping with the information they are getting.

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Listen to their thoughts and point of view; don't interrupt — allow them to express their ideas and understanding before you respond. Express your own opinions and ideas without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it is okay to disagree. Remind them you are there for them to provide safety, comfort and support. Give them a hug.Keep home a safe place. Children, regardless of age, often find home to be a safe haven when the world around them becomes overwhelming. During times of crisis, it is important to remember that your children may come home seeking the safe feeling they have being there. Help make it a place where your children find the solitude or comfort they need. Plan a night where everyone participates in a favorite family activity.Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is typical for children (and adults) to experience a wide range of emotions, including fearfulness, shock, anger, grief and anxiety. Your children's behaviors may change because of their response to the event. They may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work or changes in appetite. This is normal for everyone and should begin to disappear in a few months. Encourage your children to put their feelings into words by talking about them or journaling. Some children may find it helpful to express their feelings through art.Take "news breaks." Your children may want to keep informed by gathering information about the event from the Internet, television or newspapers. It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news because constant exposure may actually heighten their anxiety and fears. Also, scheduling some breaks for yourself is important; allow yourself time to engage in activities you enjoy.Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your children. Be a model for your children on how to manage traumatic events. Keep regular schedules for activities such as family meals and exercise to help restore a sense of security and normalcy. The Brush School District Board of Education and staff continue to work on enhancing security in our schools with cameras and card readers that will be installed this year.During emergencies the procedures we follow are taken from www.iluvuguys.org. Safety drills and procedures are routinely practiced in all of our schools. We strive to keep our children safe.If you or your child has the need for additional counseling support, please talk with the school counselor or building principal. If you have questions please don’t hesitate to call.

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